New Colombo Plan 2017 Scholars Announced

The Australian Government will provide prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarships to thirteen talented Australian youth to live, study and intern in Hong Kong in 2017. New Colombo Plan 2017 Hong Kong scholars will study a broad range of disciplines including Commerce, Computer Science, Education Engineering, Government and International Relations, Laws and Screen Arts at University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong and Education University of Hong Kong.

They will also gain invaluable practical experience of Hong Kong workplaces through internships and mentorships with organisations such as Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau, Hong Kong International Film Festival and Hong Kong Institute of Education Jockey Club Primary School.

Australia’s Foreign Minister has also announced a new Hong Kong-based New Colombo Plan Business Champion. Mr Boyd Merrett, general manager of Leighton Asia’s Hong Kong business, joins other business champions who promote the New Colombo Plan, the value of regional study to students and help to foster business engagement.

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to live, study and undertake internships in the region.

Acting Consul-General Janaline Oh said New Colombo Plan scholars are among Australia’s best and brightest undergraduate students and have demonstrated academic excellence, community engagement and a strong commitment to engaging with the people of Hong Kong.

“I am delighted that the New Colombo Plan will deepen the bonds of friendship and understanding between Australia and Hong Kong through our 2017 scholars. I am sure that our scholars’ experiences and the friendships and professional connections they make will help to shape their lives and Australia’s engagement with Hong Kong for many years to come,” Ms Oh said.

New Colombo Plan 2017 scholars will join more than 7,400 New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipients in 2017, taking the total number of students supported by the NCP in its first four years to 17,500.